Tag Archives: New Decade New Games 2024

On the Tabletop

Warhammer: Age of Sigmar

2 Comments

Introduction

Facebook adverts got me again. I often like to think that I’m immune to advertising. And, most of the time, I am. However, every now and then, the targeting bastards get me and I throw some money at an impulse buy. So, when I saw that they offered two instruction booklets and two sets of Warhammer armies for only 7 bucks, I pulled the trigger. The actual price for each successive shipment for Warhammer: Age of Sigmar is around 80 bucks. So, not insignificant, but still a good deal for what they offer.

What Do They Offer? (Part 1)

Well, if you want to check it out yourself, you can go to their web page and see. But, we try to go above and beyond whenever possible here at 2 Generations Gaming. As such, I’m going to show you what came in the first shipment. Then, each month, as I work my way through the new box, I will update with the new stuff. Already, I’m excited for this series.

The first models and source book

I took Thursdays as my miniature day. I missed one day, so it took me three weeks to assemble the first two sets of miniatures. Then, I played through the scenario this afternoon to get some pictures of the actual set up and battle. The orc ended up coming from behind with a scorching 3 damage turn and finished off the priestess on the next turn. If he hadn’t, she most likely would have taken the win the turn after.

Character Traits for Knight Arcana

Image 1 of 7

Rolling a d6 to determine her destiny

What Do They Offer? (Part 2)

The second set of miniatures and source book.

I messed up a couple of these miniatures while taking them off of the holders and assembling them. Luckily, I had my trusty glue and that allowed me to fix them quickly and easily. As you can see, I still haven’t painted them, but that’s coming. I know, I know, just adding to my pile of shame. But I have my schedule now, so perhaps I can dig into this one like I did my Lego pile. I have only 2 more models to build there.

The second source book added armor saves to the battle. I only played through one round of combat to show the difference. But, now that I’ve played this one and the tutorial for the Starter set, it makes me want to play even more. By the end of the year, with the assistance of the subscription, I will no doubt be an expert noob of the game.

Armor Save

Image 1 of 6

Not so fast, fellas!

The Verdict

The Warhammer: Age of Sigmar subscription is pricey. I won’t lie to you and say it isn’t. 80 bucks a month is a bit of a non-starter for many of you, I’m sure. But, if you’ve ever wanted to get into Warhammer, it is one of the cheaper price points out there. Nothing says you can’t join and then quit after a couple of months. I intend to keep my subscription for as long as I can afford it and build this army to its fullest.

Snap *censored* Pop Culture

2024 NFL Conference Championships Celebration

Leave a comment

Introduction

Over the weekend, I filled some time and virtual space with a quick article about the NFL championship weekend. I mainly wrote because I put a dime on the Ravens at the beginning of the playoffs at plus 140 to win the AFC Championship and wanted to see if my bet paid off. I should have known better. Used to be don’t bet against Tom Brady. Now, it’s definitely don’t bet against Patrick Mahomes. Chris reiterated this with his text after the game, “So this is how people felt about the Pats, eh?” No spoilers, but with the Lions loss, too, this 2024 NFL Conference Championships Celebration might feel a bit muted.

AFC Championship: Chefs Humiliate the Rats

I knew early that I needed to hedge that Ravens bet. They answered quickly to the first Chiefs touchdown, but they looked clearly outmatched in this game. At halftime, I texted Chris, “Looks like the Chefs were playing dead before the playoffs.” He agreed and I put in a parlay with the Chiefs and 49ers to win.

The thing is, I’m not unhappy because I can’t stand the Ravens otherwise. Additionally, I love Mahomes and Andy Reid started to grow on me with the State Farm commercials. Besides, Taylor Swift at the Super Bowl might just break parts of the internet. So, I am honestly happy with the outcome of the game.

I think that most of my malaise came from the participants in the game. Last week, I convinced myself that the NFL wrote the script for the Bills and Lions to finally break through and bring a first-time winner bowl. Alas, they teased me with the Lions and ripped the hearts out of Bills fans once again.

I texted the group chat, “Dear God, the curse of Buffalo continues.”

NFC Championship: How to Frame this Game?

I only checked the score every now and then, so I have no idea what actually happened in this game. Chris texted me early, “Detroit showed up to play” and I considered hedging my earlier parlay when I saw the 14-0 score. I figured I’d just let it ride for now because something told me that things might just turn around.

Sure enough, the 49ers came roaring back and led by 10 late. Detroit scored a late touchdown but didn’t get the onside kick for a chance at the game tying field goal. Whenever you have one of these games, you need to ask yourself, “What happened?” Detroit puckered in the big lights? San Francisco just enforced their championship pedigree?

I just read the ESPN article about the game and it looks like a little bit of both. Frisco won doing what they do best. Detroit lost because they failed to do what they do best. And, so, an easy narrative (so loved by our internet culture) is insufficient to explain the game. As Brock Purdy said, “That’s just football.”

The Verdict

I wrote about last year’s Super Bowl that Patriots fans are starting to become self aware about them and their team. With the recent Chiefs success, they were quite confused. I hate that team, but I kind of enjoy what they’re doing. I’m not there yet with the Chiefs, but I am experiencing some fatigue surrounding the team. And, so I apologize that this 2024 NFL Conference Championships Celebration is muted. Besides, as Dad always said, “Don’t bet on a game where the ball bounces funny.”

Note: All teams and the single logo used on this web page are the property of the NFL. They are used without consent (written or otherwise), but only in good fun. If you’re feeling litigious, please refrain from throwing your vast legal resources at this small page that caters to my kids, Chris (Hi Chris!) and about 25 Russian bots (Hi Sergei!).

Snap *censored* Pop Culture

2024 NFL Conference Championships Countdown

Leave a comment

Introduction

Way back in January of last year, I covered the Super Bowl from a fan standpoint and one of a potentially degenerate gambler. While I never developed the gambling habit, I still enjoyed parts of this season and the text chains that Jason, Chris, and I wrote in response. In the past, I covered every round of the playoffs. Sometimes I forgot and only wrote about the Super Bowl. This year, inspired by the Lions and their unlikely appearance and my dime that I put on the Ravens at +140 at the beginning of the playoffs, I’ll take some time to talk about the 2024 NFL Conference Championships.

2024 NFC Conference Championship: Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers

Why I’d root for the 49ers: They just get shit done. In spite of the hype about the Eagles at the beginning of the season and the Cowboys at the beginning of the playoffs, here they are again with a chance to play in their 8th Super Bowl and their 3rd in the last ten years. Plus, how can you not root for an underdog quarterback taken late in the draft. Unless his name is Tom Brady. Eff that guy.

Why I’d root for the Lions: I mean, isn’t this one obvious? Other than the Browns and Bills and, maybe even including them, the Lions fans are some of the most long suffering in the league. They had Barry freaking Sanders for 10 years and were only able to win one playoff game in that time. I mean, before the Bills had their hearts ripped out again, I wanted Detroit and Buffalo for the first time winners bowl. Alas, we can still get the Lions.

2024 AFC Conference Championship: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens

Why I’d root for the *dry heave* Ravens: The bet. Really, that’s it. Eh, I guess I kinda like Lamar, too. Otherwise, screw the zombie Browns.

Why I’d root for the Chiefs: Those who frequent the page often know there’s only one answer to this one, too. Mahomes. Literally, that’s it. I still love the guy in spite of everything and refuse to join the mob that builds people up just to tear them down. Okay, I do kinda like the Kelce/T-Swizzle storyline, too. I mostly just like how upset it makes big tough football dudes.

The Verdict

The 2024 NFL Conference Championships are much less interesting without the Bills. But, I do have the dime on the Ravens and the hope that the Lions can pull off the win against the 49ers. Come back after the games for our post mortem and then the Super Bowl preview.

Note: All teams and the single logo used on this web page are the property of the NFL. They are used without consent (written or otherwise), but only in good fun. If you’re feeling litigious, please refrain from throwing your vast legal resources at this small page that caters to my kids, Chris (Hi Chris!) and about 25 Russian bots (Hi Sergei!).

On the Tabletop

Settling in Catan

Leave a comment

Introduction

Looks like we only get one article this week. And, Noob’s Book Club will come over the weekend. Also, I got behind on the calendar for the YouTube page. What can I say? The end of the semester has been something else. Plus, I binge watched Pam and Tommy and finished up the latest season of Fargo last night. As a result, I never downloaded nor played American Truck Simulator and only have my experience of settling in Catan to write about.

At some point, they dropped the Settlers from the title. I figured it was because of colonialism and that’s one of the first results when I Google the reason. Fair enough. Anything we can do to try to bring some measure of healing to that ugly part of our history is good by me. I don’t know how much good it actually does, but I’ll let you keyboard warriors scream at one another about virtue signalling and just enjoy the game, whatever they call it.

Why, All of a Sudden?

Like many of you, I heard of Catan. For the most part, I heard good things. But, I never actually bought the game. I finally got to the point where I wanted to try it, so I bought it for Christmas. Well, actually, I did some research and saw that it was only 4 players recommended. Our family, as you know, is five. Sure, sometimes Aiden doesn’t consider himself a part of the family, but I wanted to give everyone the opportunity. Also, I started this last year by buying the whole family Nerf guns (that ended in disappointment as the war never developed) and wanted to continue this year. So, I bought Catan and the expansion pack for Christmas.

@chaosyconfetti

This clip from Abbott Elementary had us cracking up. Chaos has played Catan, but Confetti never has. #boardgames #boardgametiktok #boardgametok #boardgamecommunity

♬ original sound – Chaos & Confetti
Yes, that’s a TikTok. Don’t worry. I’m not trying to give up my square image or anything. I just couldn’t find a YouTube version of the clip.

I Do Eff With Catan

While much of my tabletop gaming involves RPGs and now miniatures, I always find love for a good board game. I got the chance to play this one when we went over to our friends’ house for a post holiday get together. When Christine mentioned the game, she said that it’s one of their favorites. Perfect.

I played the first (and ultimately only) game against my youngest son and two of their sons. We messed up a few times, but just a friendly reminder or minor adjustment of the board and we were back at it. I can’t say that I brought much strategery to the first game, but I figured out a way to sandbag my way into a victory while they weren’t paying attention. Overall, a fun experience and we tried to get Quinn to play again this past weekend, but he wasn’t in the mood. So, another day.

The Verdict

Overall, I enjoyed my time settling into Catan. I want to try to play again, this time with more players. Who knows, maybe the stars will align like they did the other day. Aiden started working on a puzzle. Quinn and I joined and the three of us worked together for a good hour on that puzzle. Sometimes kids, even teenagers, surprise you.

On the Tabletop

Deck of Many Things Review

Leave a comment

Introduction

As a socially awkward teen outcast by many of my peers, I played Dungeons and Dragons with my friends. So, I’ve been playing the game for well over 30 years now. Even so, the game sometimes surprises me. For instance, I never heard of the Deck of Many Things. That may shock some of you. Let me explain.

We ended up having a few play sessions before the friend group started to grow apart. Those of you who played know the usual outcomes. You either struggle to put together a group or the group disbands in the middle of a campaign. Sometimes both. Then, my adult and family playgroups never happened and became just me and Quinn. So, I’ve played probably less than the average player.

And that’s how you get a video like this where I am pleasantly surprised by my purchase.

The Book of Many Things

Even so, looking at the introduction to the book that comes with the deck makes me slightly embarrassed that I never encountered the deck before. It gives a history of the deck that goes back to the beginning. At some point, I should have ubiquitous piece of lore from the game. Thankfully, the book anticipates my ignorance.

They split the chapters into 5 sections. The first set of chapters gives DMs ideas of how to use the deck in their campaign. The other four sections then go into more detail for a different type of idea. There are chapters on character creation, astrological phenomena, adventure locations, and new monsters and characters to introduce into your games. It even shows you how to use the deck to create random puzzles. Overall, I think I’m going to have a lot of fun with this deck.

The Deck of Many Things

The deck comes with another reference guide. This one shows you how to set up the various spreads for putting together your adventures, characters, or puzzles. It then explains the meaning of each card. Similar to a tarot reading, they explain what upright and reversed mean in each context. Very cool touch.

The deck itself varies in the quality of artwork for each card. Some are highly detailed and vibrant. Others are far too plain. It makes sense in the context that all of the cards are different and represent different things. Some of those things are fantastic and vibrant. Others are not and their art reflects that. Overall, though all of the art is awesome.

These are my three favorite cards for art.

The Verdict

I think this is my favorite purchase so far for Dungeons and Dragons since getting back into the game. I understand now why it became such a popular part of the game over the years. No doubt that it becomes the one resource that I use more than the others. Heck, I already have an idea to scan the cards and maybe try to write some kind of app that automates the process for me. I’ve been trying to practice more coding every week. That gives me the opportunity to do so.

Digital Playground

Marvel SNAP January 2024: Planet Hulk

1 Comment

Introduction

I saw last month that they planned to bring Planet Hulk to Marvel SNAP January 2024. This made me incredibly excited. Planet Hulk is my favorite story in comics, maybe ever. I loved the entire Greg Pak run of Hulk and Planet Hulk especially.

Yes, Immortal Hulk brought the Green Goliath back to his former heights after some lean years. But, I still think I prefer Pak’s take on Hulk and it bore the “Incredible” modifier instead of the new “Immortal” tagline. I mean, honestly, I’m just splitting hairs at this point. So, let’s take a look at the update.

New Locations

The Great Portal plays right into the Skaar deck. By giving you another 10 cost card to play, you reduce his cost even more. But, we’ll discuss that in the next section. Crown City, too, favors a powerful deck, as +4 to adjacent locations is pretty damn good in a game that sometimes comes down to every point of power. That thing is gonna set off some intense battles in the middle.

New Cards

Caiera

Image 1 of 6

Ongoing: Your 1 and 6-Cost cards can’t be destroyed.

Wow. I say. Wow. I already played Skaar to finish up the weekend quest and that card is powerful in the right shell. Who doesn’t want a zero cost 11 power card? Throw in Shuri and Taskmaster and the numbers get big quick in that deck. If I ever pull Caiera, I’m putting her in my “Ones” deck because screw your Killmonger, Bud. Herc is fun, but expensive, so unless you put him with Zabu, you only get a couple of moves to take advantage of. As previously mentioned, I don’t play much disco except to finish quests, so Miek isn’t a priority. Beta Ray Bill, as in the comics, is just another version of Thor. But, the Grandmaster opens up a whole new realm of possibilities that I hope I get a chance to discover. Overall, a strong batch of cards that I’ll have a ton of fun with, I think.

The Verdict

I think that I’m going to enjoy Marvel SNAP January 2024 more than I did last month. And, honestly, that’s saying something. I branched out to play some Conquest last month and got the Thor Hellfire Gala variant. I pushed at the end of the month up to Gold in the main play mode. That’s probably my ceiling, but I already played a ton this weekend to finish the Skaar quest and I’m planning my Conquest, uh, conquest to get that Ghost Rider variant.

Digital Playground

Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite First Impressions

Leave a comment

Introduction

Would you believe it took this long for me to come up with Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite first impressions? Of course you do. You’ve been here long enough to know that we take a while to get around to things sometimes. Honestly, I fully intended to cover this game when it first released. If I look back at my notes, I’m sure I’ll find at least one mention of the game in there over the last five years.

Then, I fell victim to the online troll factory that slammed the game as “not as good as the others” and it fell off of my radar. I genuinely forgot it existed until I went searching for a way to play MvC 2 and found out that I can buy the deluxe edition on Steam for like 11 bucks. Or I could. Looks like I missed the sale by a day. Hmm, that puts a new wrinkle into things.

Well, Isn’t That A Pickle?

I’m not paying 40 bucks for something that will be 8 or 11 again most likely by the end of the month. Instead, I’m gonig to set up an alert for the next time it goes on sale and we’ll all have to wait for my Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite first impressions. Until then, I’ll keep playing X-Men Arcade.

Digital Playground

X-Men Arcade (1992): Noob’s Way Back

1 Comment

Introduction

After I planned X-Men for this week to make up for my lack of planning when I missed the monthly order on DCBS for this month, I wondered how to fit a single title into a week’s worth of articles? Then, I came up with a brilliant idea. What better way to promote “New Decade, New Games” than with a discussion of decades old games? And, so, to start this week of X-Men, I bring you the 1992 classic X-Men arcade game.

Luckily, what’s old is new again and my generation gets to call the shots on retro. Therefore, arcades are back (mostly in the form of barcades, but kids are welcome at the one around here) and I don’t have to explain to kids these days what it means to wait your turn in a crowded and sweaty mass of people for your turn to get your ass kicked by the local Mortal Kombat II expert.

Even Grandpa Joe says, “Finish Them” to the kids these days.

About the Game

This game came out the same time as other games like it. You take a popular IP like X-Men, The Simpsons, or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, slap a few of the characters on to a cabinet with 4 controllers, make it look like the cartoon of that same IP, and people played it for hours. My personal shame is I spent my future kid’s inheritance one quarter at a time and this game swallowed many of those quarters.

I have no idea even what genre they called it. Simply based on the mechanics, I’d call it a side scrolling beat ’em up because that’s what happens on the screen. You walk sideways, beat ’em up, then walk sideways some more, then beat ’em up, etc. Eventually, you arrive at a boss that takes more coordination (and often more quarters), and guess what. Yep, you beat ’em up, too. Take a look at my expert game play in the video below.

*insert video*

Sorry for the poor quality. Was testing out the streaming set up. Future videos will be better, I promise.

So What’s Fun About That?

Honestly, not much. Playing the game by yourself takes away most of the joy of these games. You want to play with at least one other person. Preferably, you find 3 other friends to play, but the magic of the arcade is that you can meet people and make friends very easily around these arcade cabinets. Because you are there face to face, it makes it much more difficult to throw random insults about the guy’s mother without getting your ass kicked.

Yes, I’m Gran Torinoing it again.

The Verdict

Playing the game again verified what I remember. While fun solo, playing X-Men Arcade with friends is the way to go. I wonder if anyone has figured out a way to play over network on MAME. If so, reach out and we can beat up some baddies as the X-Men!